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Computer Science and Anthropology

Computer Science + Anthropology

Understanding and analyzing the interface between culture and technology has never been more important.

How do we analyze memes, emojis, and language on social media? How does culture shape technology and technology shape culture? Does technology bridge inequalities or make them even wider? Anthropologists use computational tools and algorithms to analyze substantial amounts of data, gathered from a field site or by studying online social communities and social networks, to consider these questions.

Through this work, anthropologists consider the humanity within technology.

In computer science + anthropology, students will gain the knowledge necessary to use computer, social, and behavioral sciences within larger cultural questions of globalization, community, security, the ethics of privacy, social transformation, and social justice. This program prepares students for specializations in biological anthropology, linguistic anthropology, sociocultural anthropology, computational anthropology, and archeology as well as CS-related work in social media, UX design, user experience research, product management, and online communities.

"Computer Science helps me to understand the mechanics of space, and Anthropology helps me to understand what human do in those spaces."

"I'm excited about the unexpected merging of CS +ANTH. I didn't realize all the possibilities. From realizing past worlds through satellite images to studying Twitch.tv, I've been able to use computers to understand how communities form and maintain themselves."

Anthropology Degree Requirements

CS + Anthropology Program 24 hours minimum (12 hours must be at a 3xx or 4xx level) ~ 66 hours total

Students may make only one substitution for 1 of the required courses, choosing from the options listed in parentheses.

Hours

Requirements

12-18

Required Foundation Courses (select at least 4 of the following courses)